God’s Not Dead

God’s Not Dead, produced by Pure Flix Entertainment, is among the latest Christian-based films to hit the big screen.

In its opening weekend, the film came in fifth in weekend box office sales of $9,217, 013 with showings on 780 screens. A surprising feat for a Christian-based independent film debuting the same weekend as big-budget films “Divergent” and “The Muppets Most Wanted” which ranked 1st and 2nd, with showings on 3,936 and 3,194 screens respectively.

Since its release on March 21, the film has grossed $42,847,143 domestically at the box office, to date, according to Box Office Mojo, and has expanded to 1,860 screens.

The film focuses on the challenges that college freshman Josh Wheaton (played by Shane Harper) faces in standing up for his faith when his philosophy professor Mr. Radisson (played by Kevin Sorbo of Hercules fame) announces on the first day of class that students will have to submit a written statement disavowing the existence of God or face a failing grade.

The weight of the professor’s demand fills the room as we watch Josh’s classmates one by one succumb to the pressure of choosing between God and a possible mar on their academic records.

Pained and clearly shaken by the choice he has been forced to ponder, we watch as Josh’s discomfort slowly transforms into a firm resolve to stand up for his faith.

The moment sets in motion a challenge between Josh and his professor, an avowed atheist, to prove their respective stances.

Josh sets out on a passionate quest to convince his classmates of God’s existence when his professor issues him an assignment to present a series of well-researched, intellectual arguments and evidence over the course of the semester that culminates in a high- stakes, head-on debate with his professor in front of the class. If he is not able to convince his classmates, he will fail the course and hinder his academic goals.

Not only does the college student find himself in a series of emotionally-charged debates with his professor, he also finds himself standing alone as many around him question his decision to take a stand against his professor.

We watch as Josh’s faith begins to impact others who are silently watching his quest from the sidelines as they deal with their own unspoken struggles with faith.

The film poses a powerful question to audience-goers on how far they will go to defend their faith as they watch the painful losses and sacrifices Josh must make to uphold his faith in God.

In what many are describing as “the year of the Bible movie,” God’s Not Dead” is a film for the whole family; it also is a “must see” for every parent who is sending or has sent their child to college and every young person of faith who is in school and may encounter a serious challenge to their Christian faith.

If you have not seen “God’s Not Dead,” there may still be time to catch it this weekend in theaters. Click here to search for a listing of local theaters playing the film in your area.